New York Times –“Rebeck’s new play is so clever it uplifts, so timely it hurts…as Bernhardt locates the heart of Hamlet, McTeer the comedian becomes a riveting Shakespearean…a deep-inside love letter to the theater.”

But some critics found the play somewhat wanting in terms of characterization, portraying Bernhardt as a symbol more than a fully dimensional personality:

Variety –“..if only Rebeck had shown us more scenes of Bernhardt’s mastery of Hamlet, we might have been more convinced of her claim to the role. Instead, the playwright has given a feminist slant to the actress’ daring.”

New York Magazine – “Full of period frills and actorly flourishes, it fails to convey either astonishing mythos or full, authentic humanity. Instead, it fills its protagonist’s mouth with passe sentiments, ideas whose risque gloss has faded, packaged as relevant and revelatory.”